Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients Undergoing Single Compared to Dual Antiplatelet Treatment

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to blood loss within the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. It is classified as upper GI bleeding-originating proximal to the ligament of Treitz (esophagus, stomach, first and second parts of the duodenum)-and lower GI bleeding, which originates distal to this ligament (remaining duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum, and anus). GI bleeding may be acute, with sudden and severe blood loss, or chronic, involving slow, recurrent bleeding that is less obvious but still clinically significant.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, mainly from atherosclerosis. This can result in chest pain, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, inhibit platelet aggregation to prevent blood clots and are essential in IHD management. Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) uses one agent, while dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combines two agents for stronger protection against thrombotic events.

Both SAPT and DAPT improve cardiovascular outcomes in IHD patients, with SAPT commonly used for long-term prevention and DAPT recommended after acute coronary events or interventions.

Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin and clopidogrel, increase GI bleeding risk by inhibiting platelet aggregation, impairing clot formation, and, in the case of aspirin, directly irritating the stomach lining, making it easier for ulcers or erosions to bleed. The risk is higher with dual therapy.